A recent study published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science marks an advancement in understanding the relationship between parasites and horse health and a scoring system projected to improve welfare outcomes in equine populations. Researchers evaluated the parasitic loads of horses at the University of Connecticut while simultaneously applying the new skin and coat … [Read more...]
The Feline OA Checklist key to early recognition of pain, osteoarthritis
My Vet Candy shares a recent study published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, which highlights a practical approach for identifying OA in feline patients using the Feline Osteoarthritis Checklist. In the study, when the Feline OA Checklist was applied prospectively, 39 percent of cats exhibited at least one behavior indicative of OA compared to only one percent of … [Read more...]
Convenience, connection matter just as much as price
In this article, My Vet Candy reviews survey results from a paper titled, “U.S. Residents' Self-Reported Access to Veterinary Care and Implications for Care-Seeking Decisions.” The survey of more than 1,100 adults asked what “access to veterinary care” meant. In summary, the results show most people value and respect veterinary professionals, but they often feel shut out and … [Read more...]
Is the future of veterinary medicine feline?
For veterinary teams, product developers, investors and strategists, the message is clear: cats are here to stay and they're driving measurable industry growth, writes Jill Lopez, DVM. One of those sharing insights on the new 2025 CATalyst Feline Market Insights Report (Volume 1), she notes cats are gaining a growing share of pet ownership and that feline visits are up in the … [Read more...]
Tick control may be possible from exposed animals’ immune systems
Could it be? New Washington State University research reveals that animals like deer mice, rabbits and cattle can develop resistance to tick bites. And once they do, tick populations start to plummet. Ticks feeding on previously exposed animals were 23 percent less likely to reach adulthood, and female ticks that did survive produced 32 percent fewer larvae. Simulations … [Read more...]
Applying facial recognition to animal stewardship and production
Fascinating! Scientists worldwide are turning to AI to decipher the facial expressions of animals, from sheep to horses to cats and dogs. Some have already developed faster and more accurate algorithms for recognizing signs of pain and distress than the most attentive humans. In this article, the authors share several examples of how AI is being developed to observe animals and … [Read more...]
Medical-grade honey’s superior antibacterial activity
Honey is known as a natural, effective and safe alternative to traditional antiinfectives. But not all honey is alike. Researchers have discovered that medical-grade honey, particularly manuka honey, exhibits significantly stronger antibacterial properties compared to non-medical-grade honey. Source: Vet Candy, October 21, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Buckle down on biosecurity: HPAI, BIAV
Mindy Ward’s title says it all, “Buckle down on biosecurity!” We’ve assembled a group of articles referencing emerging HPAI infections in non-bird species. Most notable is AABP’s renaming of the emerging cattle disease as Bovine Influenza A Virus versus HPAI followed by assertions to keep pets away from birds. There’s significant media coverage but, as we’ve learned before, … [Read more...]
A deep dive into holiday spending trends
While millennials lead in pet ownership, they allocate less money to their pets compared to their counterparts in Generation X and baby boomers, according to BLS data. On average, pet owners plan to allocate $122 for their pets during the 2023 holiday season. The intricacies of the millennial trends, particularly in the context of holiday spending, unveil a nuanced narrative … [Read more...]
Dogs versus cats: Which is most loved?
Even with striking differences between countries, scientists found that people appeared to care more about their dogs than their cats in all countries across all measures. The study appeared in Frontiers in Veterinary Science. Source: Vet Candy, October 31, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 26, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 19, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the October 19th AHD Bulletin – Study: Grain-free diets, no negative impact on canine heart health, DCM. Link. 3 takeaways from the Veterinary Innovation Summit. Link. MWI Animal Health’s integration with Shepherd Veterinary Software. Link. … [Read more...]
The expanding threat of tick- and mosquito-borne diseases in shelter dogs
A recent study from the University of Georgia suggests that shelter dogs in the eastern U.S. may be disproportionately affected by the relentless spread of ticks and mosquitoes to new regions. Climate change is a factor as carriers expand their ranges. The resulting risks affect dogs and humans alike. Source: Vet Candy, September 2023. Link. The study underscores the vital … [Read more...]
Texas study finds alarming rate of heartworm in cats
A study conducted in the Lower Rio Grande Valley region of Texas revealed the prevalence of D. immitis infection in shelter cats. The study analyzed 122 paired samples of serum and DNA from cats in 14 towns within the region to detect the presence of heartworm infection. Using multiple analysis tools the results were alarming: 18 percent of the shelter cats tested … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 27, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 20th, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from April 20th AHD Bulletin – Enhancing your customers’ experiences. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. Study says U.S. unprepared for dangers posed by zoonotic diseases Source: Vet Candy, February 13, 2023. … [Read more...]
Association of Shelter Veterinarians launches updated guidelines
The second edition of the Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters has been updated to include expanded research and information in the field of shelter veterinary medicine. The Guidelines provide a trustworthy resource for the housing, husbandry, medical and behavioral care of animals living in animal shelters. This edition shifts its framework from the Five … [Read more...]
Signs you may have a drinking problem
If you are always thinking about your next drink and it begins to interfere with other tasks in your life, this can be a sign that it’s time to seek help.” Source: Vet Candy, September 29, 2022. Link. Shauna Simmons shares some signs that you may have a problem and you should consult with an addiction expert. … [Read more...]
What a cat friendly veterinary experience looks like
Note: Kudos to the Vet Candy team who summarized the recently published Cat Friendly Guidelines and to the almost 3,700 clinics and practices across 57 countries who have achieved official ‘Cat Friendly’ status. The cat’s veterinary experience includes their journey to the clinic, their interactions with team members, the social environment, as well as the physical … [Read more...]
Pet parenting style influences dog behavior
An Oregon State University research study shows that the pet dog-human caretaker bond may be functionally and emotionally like the bond between a human parent and their child. The study focused on how the quality of a human-dog relationship may influence a dog’s performance on behavioral and cognitive tests. Source: Vet Candy, October 11, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 29, 2022
Last week’s most read posts – Veterinarians shouldn’t do it all. Link. Dealing with plastics. 2,4,5. . .Let’s review. Link. Need to vent? Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, September 22, 2022. Link. ================================================== If a dog or cat smells like this, it’s time to see a veterinarian … [Read more...]
9-year review of cat scratch disease in children
Vet Candy shared researchers have evaluated records of children with confirmed Bartonella henselae infection over a 9-year period to better understand the epidemiology, risk factors and clinical features of cat scratch disease. In 92.4 percent of the cases, there was an exposure to a cat and in 22 percent there was an exposure with a dog.” Source: Vet Candy, September 12, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 8, 2022
Last week’s most read post KCAHC #AHSummit22 exceeds expectations. Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, September 1, 2022. Link. =================================== Leveling the parental-leave playing field Source: SHRM, June 6, 2022. Link. The lack of paternal leave-taking not only affects the well-being of new parents and … [Read more...]
Ultrasound screening shows potential for early bucked shin diagnoses
Tiny stress fractures and new bone formations occur in racehorses’ legs as they enter training at about two years old. This condition, called bucked shin, occurs in about 70 percent of the animals, leading to pain and delays in training schedules. Japanese researchers developed a method to screen for bucked shin using ultrasound instead of traditionally disruptive X-ray … [Read more...]
Seasonality and geography of diabetes mellitus in dogs
Sharing key points from a published research study involving nearly 1,000 dogs with diabetes mellitus, Vet Candy highlighted: Dogs were diagnosed with DM significantly more in the winter and northern USA compared to all other seasons and all other geographic regions, respectively. The prevalence of juvenile onset among dogs with DM was 2.8%. The proportion of dogs … [Read more...]
Non-competes: Legal or not? (podcast)
. . . it is important to hire an attorney before signing contracts and to negotiate for better pay.” Vet Candy IRL host Shannon Gregoire speaks with employment attorney Omar A. Lopez, about contracts, negotiation and employee rights. Source: Vet Candy, IRL, March 7, 2022. Link. . . . new graduating veterinarians have <employment> leverage like nothing I’ve ever seen … [Read more...]
Latest well-being study reveals increased distress among veterinary professionals
It is no surprise the pandemic impacted many veterinarians and clinic staff, including veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, practice managers and client service representatives. More than 90 percent of study respondents reported the shortage of qualified veterinary staff has been one of the biggest concerns throughout the pandemic. Sixty eight percent indicated … [Read more...]
Do cats get separation anxiety?
Little work has been done to assess potential separation-related problems in cats. Using canine questionnaire studies as a model, researchers investigated the topic with cat owners. The results suggest that pet cats are social and develop bonds with their owners and about 13 percent of cats may have signs of separation-related problems. Source: Vet Candy, November 27, 2021. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – July 22, 2021
Last week’s most read post The hurrier we go . . . Source: Animal Health Digest, July 13, 2021. Link. Germany reports first ASF case in farm pigs Source: The Pig Site, July 16, 2021. Link. Asian swine flu was found in pigs on one organic farm with 200 animals and on a smallholding with only two pigs. All have been slaughtered. Pet dog brain banking … [Read more...]
Chatfields talk rabies with Mission Rabies CEO (podcast)
Drs. Jenifer and Jason Chatfield bring their energy to a revealing discussion about rabies with podcast guest Luke Gamble, BVSc DVM&S FRCVS. Gamble is CEO of Mission Rabies and Worldwide Vet Services. Gamble shares his experiences with providing veterinary services in countries without adequate veterinary care and prevention. He shares the alarming incidence of rabies … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 24, 2021
Last week’s most read post(s) – two posts tied for most-read Confidence requires a PLAN, Source: AHD, June 15, 2021. Link. Udder conformation, increasing concerns for farmers, Source: AHD, June 15, 2021. Link. Vaccine workshop leads veterinarians in foot-and-mouth disease planning Source: Feedstuffs, June 17, 2021. Link. The vaccine exercise was part of … [Read more...]
Canine origin coronavirus causing a stir
Preliminary reports of a dog origin alpha canine coronavirus infecting people are alarming. Scientific diligence is needed to confirm the species jump and determine how much risk management is required, if any. We’re sharing three articles for your review and consideration. I think the more we look, the more we will find that these coronaviruses are crossing species … [Read more...]